Our Team

Mrs. D.F. Russell has been in the education field for more than 17 years, serving as an educator, leader, motivational speaker, and author.

A native of Milwaukee, she began her career with the Milwaukee Public School system as a middle school English Language Arts teacher. From there, she traveled to the Midwest as a reading/writing curriculum coordinator. She relocated to St. Louis to serve as Assistant Principal for one year before being promoted to Principal of the Confluence Academy Old North Campus where she served for three years, leading a staff of 90 members and more than 1,000 students. She later moved to Chicago where she served as Director/Principal of the Young Women’s Leadership Charter School of Chicago for four years. While there, she received a Principal Achievement Award in the city of Chicago and was honored by the Mayor of Chicago as one of the city’s 82 principals who made “exceptional growth” in one year. In 2014, Mrs. D.F. Russell was recruited back to Milwaukee to serve as the first Executive Director of Acelero Learning Wisconsin, a major Head Start organization. Fueled by her true desire to work in urban education and help prepare young people for their life’s work, she accepted the role of Principal at HOPE Caritas in 2018.

Mrs.  Russell received her formal education from the Milwaukee Public School system and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee after attending Tuskegee University in Alabama for her first two years of undergraduate study. She holds a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Ms. Raven is a proud and passionate server who enjoys doing what she does, serving people. Ms. Raven has been with CARITAS for quite some time now and has cherished each moment she’s been here. Before accepting a position with our school, Ms. Raven frequently volunteered around the building to provide an extra set of helping hands. The attachment and love that was gained from her students are what convinced Ms. Raven that the school needed her, and she needed the school. Ms. Raven loves working with and serving families for the betterment of our children. In her free time, Ms. Raven finds joy in being with family and close friends. She enjoys family gatherings, family outings and LOVES family dinners! Ms. Raven understands her mission from Christ and being at CARITAS, is helping to fulfill that mission which is to serve God’s people. Ms. Raven is a huge asset and blessing to the team and family we have at CARITAS. Ms. Raven is willing and ready to be of your service.

Hi my name is Mr. Reggie Walker and I am a Christ-centered family man who loves God with my whole heart. I am a Augusta, Georgia native, raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I attended Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee where I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree  in Interdisciplinary studies. I have been an educator with 10 years plus of teaching experience and a former member of MMABSE (Metropolitan Milwaukee Alliance of Black School Educators). My passion and dedication to academic progress and being a high performing teacher in the classroom has lead to my promotion to Dean of Students at Hope Christian Schools: Caritas in 2020. When I am not  working I love to travel and see all of God’s beautiful creations! I love to spend quality time with my family and friends. My favorite scripture in my life is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Ms. Santasha Alston, Office Manager  is a Christian and mother of two beautiful children. She enjoys educating the lives of our future leaders. She has served in the classroom for over 25 years and has recently been blessed to serve as the Office Manager here at Caritas. Her motto is "Education is a continual process because you're never too old to learn". She is furthering her education in Leadership and Early Childhood Psychology. She is looking forward to making a difference with our families and being an asset to the community. 

 Mr. James Degnan is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelors degree in Environmental Science.  While he majored in Environmental Science, helping scholars get their education is a passion.  James also has a passion for technology and business.  He wanted a role to incorporate everything he has learned to help serve children in their education.  James became the School Operations Manager for HOPE Caritas and is currently going into his 4th year in the position.

Mr. Gaynor Jr. is proudly going into his 3rd year at HOPE Christian School - Caritas. Gaynor has received his Associate Degree in Education. He is currently in pursuit of his Bachelor’s degree. He has worked with youth for over 10 years. Mr. Gaynor’s love and passion for his current role developed from his leadership style and ability that are both combined from his experience and education to influence the scholars he works with daily. Gaynor not only talks about his passion but has put it into action. He has developed Bible Commandos with his local church (Bethel Temple COGIC), where he currently serves as Youth Pastor. This ministry empowers youth to know the Word of God. Mr. Gaynor also has developed YMOM - Young Men on A Mission, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that blends mentoring, sports, work training and strong character values into young men, pushing them to become productive citizens of our society.  The Hope Christian School - Caritas mission is to deliver the 3 C’s- Christ, College, and Character.  He, too, is on the same mission of delivering the 3C’s to our scholars because he believes in the mission here at HOPE Caritas.

Mr. Hall brings to the table 30 years of experience from Milwaukee Public Schools working in various capacities including Special Education Teacher. He is a husband, father, mentor, teacher and proud Pastor of Praise Cathedral COGIC in the inner city of Milwaukee. He has served our community for many years through education, music, and ministry and is well-known throughout the city.

Education has been a passion of Emma’s throughout her life. Emma attended the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and majored in Urban Education. Upon graduation, she began teaching 1st grade at HOPE Caritas. Emma always had a strong focus on academic data in her classroom. She used her student’s standardized assessment scores to inform her data-driven instruction in both whole group and small group settings. Emma was recognized by the network for her student’s outstanding MAP scores, and teachers from other schools came to observe her classroom. After excelling as a first-grade teacher for 6.5 years, Emma was promoted to the Elementary Dean of Instruction role at HOPE Caritas. Emma works to ensure the elementary teachers in the building feel supported and valued; Emma is enjoying her role in helping other teachers learn and grow to ensure their students have excellent academic outcomes. As one of the staff members who has been at HOPE Caritas the longest, Emma is full of knowledge and fun facts that she loves to share with other staff members. Emma’s passion for education and putting students first is truly evident in everything she does.